LaManda's Yarden in the City

My Great Outdoors

Name: LaManda JoyLocation: Budlong Woods – Chicago, Illinois

One morning, after years of living in apartments in the city, LaManda's husband turned to her and suggested they buy a yard … with a house attached. That the house was second to the yard was no coincidence. LaManda was a frustrated gardener trapped in an apartment existence, and her husband recognized how much benefit she would get from having her own outdoor space. As it turns out, the benefit has spread far beyond LaManda's own yard…

Soon after moving into this house and transforming the neglected yard into what she has deemed her yarden, LaManda was inspired to start the Peterson Garden Project. Taking a cue from the victory gardens of WWII, LaManda wanted to create a resource for other urban dwellers who are interested in growing their own food. Peterson Garden Project turns abandoned lots into temporary community gardens and holds workshops on growing food. This year there are 7 community gardens in Chicago, with 763 plots and 3,000 volunteers.

Read all about LaManda's own gardening adventures on her blog — The Yarden.